Pharmacy has long been a health information technology (HIT) leader by exchanging patient information electronically to achieve point-of-care, third-party billing, but this technology’s potential benefits for patients and the practice of pharmacy are far from being realized. A recently formed pharmacy collaborative is making important strides toward that vision.

The 2011 legislative session has officially begun in most state capitals in recent weeks and there’s already plenty of activity that could affect independent pharmacists and their patients – reinforcing the need for grassroots involvement.

Ok, because pharmacists are highly trusted professionals and for full disclosure, you should know this past weekend’s Pharmacy Ownership Workshop, sponsored by McKesson, ended at 12 noon on Super Bowl Sunday. Plenty of time for the football enthusiasts attending to get home and enjoy the game with the beverage of their choice.

This month marks the two-year anniversary of a law that enhanced patients’ medical privacy rights, while significantly expanding the obligations that pharmacies and other entities have for protecting sensitive patient information. The scope of these changes are worth revisiting today to make sure your pharmacy is in full compliance.

With attendee evaluations like “I think this was the best program I have attended in 40+ years as a pharmacist” and “Very practical, useful information” warming my brain, it was a lot easier to board the plane from 75 degree San Diego to 9 degree Baltimore, in returning home from NCPA’s latest Diabetes Accreditation Standards-Practical Applications (DASPA) program.